Ohio Employers Facing 2010 increases in Workers Compensation Premiums Get Help at PenaltyRated.com

    DUBLIN, OH, December 02, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Integrated Companies of OHP Inc., Occupational Health Plan, have teamed together to launch a new web site intended to help Ohio employers who have been denied BWC State Funded premium discounts. The site was launched to correspond with year-end Employers' notifications of discount denials and increased 2010 premium costs.

Ohio Employers can be put in a "group" and receive premium discounts if the employer has a good workers' compensation history and track record of employee health and safety. The formula for determining the discount is a complex one that takes into account several years of work related claims history. When an employer's claims cost exceeds the amount the BWC determines as 'appropriate' for a similar employer of the same size and industry, the employer will not be eligible for group rating discounts and may be defined as 'Penalty Rated'. For companies who are denied premium discounts, the cost of workers' compensation coverage can skyrocket.

OHP top executive, Dale Bugay explains, "The days of employers expecting cost saving results from reactive TPA's, deep Group Rating discounts and other BWC programs are over.

As the Ohio BWC continues to bring 'equity' into the system, employers will be required to take individual responsibility to control their costs. Ohio employers now view proactive, comprehensive risk management programs and policies as vital parts of containing their Workers' Compensation premiums."

Being 'Penalty Rated' doesn't necessarily mean that an employer has an unsafe workplace. Sometimes one severe accident or a fraudulent claim can put an employer in danger of damaging their good BWC status.

OHP and its affiliated companies help high-risk or 'Penalty Rated' employers work through the troubled time and help them navigate their options to get back on their feet again. "Our people are well-trained to use our unique set of programs that have been proven to get results quickly. Historically, about one out of every four of our 'Penalty Rated' clients have become eligible for the BWC's premium discount program again after just one year with us," Bugay said.

Bugay expanded on the BWC's proposed changes to lower Group discount benefits on his blog at ohiocomptalk.blogspot.com.

About the Integrated Companies of OHP
Occupational Health Plan (OHP), Occupational Risk Management (ORM) and Vantage Occupational Health Plan (VOHP) work together to provide a unique, proven approach to claims management. We do not wait and react to a claim like most Third Party Administrators (TPA). We establish a pro-active risk management environment with the employer, employees and local providers that changes the culture of claim cost control.

Since 1991 OHP has been reducing Workers Compensation and Disability cost for Ohio employers through the integration of employer-friendly policies, aggressive claims administration and unique medical provider partnerships.

Website: http://www.OHPInc.com

# # #